FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced that Catherine M. Burzik has been elected to its Board of Directors.

Ms. Burzik, 62, is a seasoned healthcare executive with leadership experience in medical device, diagnostic, diagnostic imaging and life sciences businesses. Most recently, from 2006 until the sale of the company in 2012, she served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Kinetic Concepts, Inc., a medical device company specializing in woundcare and regenerative medicine. Her prior positions include service as President of Applied Biosystems, a leading DNA sequencing company, as well as senior positions at Eastman Kodak and Johnson & Johnson.

"I am pleased and honored to welcome Catherine Burzik to the BD Board," said Vincent A. Forlenza, BD Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. "Cathy has a strong and diversified background in several key sectors of the healthcare industry, as well as extensive knowledge of the global healthcare arena. I know that she will make important strategic contributions to the Board as we evaluate the many opportunities BD has to continue innovating to improve healthcare around the world."

Ms. Burzik currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of VitaPath Genetics, Inc. and is a member of the San Antonio Branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve Board. She also serves as Chair, Canisius College Board of Trustees and is a member of the Board of Directors of ViroXis Corporation and the Board of Trustees of Keck Graduate School of Applied Life Sciences.

Ms. Burzik received a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Canisius College and a masters' degree in Mathematics from the University of Buffalo.

About BD BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs nearly 30,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.